another trick is to improvise using the melody of a song. Most times, I have those notes i feel in my head but don't know how to access them. Lots of ideas can come out of these tricks
Great video! I'ts more or less how I was taught to start, for those who fancy giving it a go here are few varied Ebm / F#M songs to get you stared along with Jonathon's backing track: Superstition - Stevie wonder Virtual Insanity - Jamiroquai Take 5 - Brubeck Quartet Rock with you - Michael Jackson Rude Boy - Rihanna Clint Eastwood -Gorillaz If I were a Boy - Beyonce Sail - AWOLNATION Last Friday Night - Katy Perry Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns & Roses Fuel - Metallica and of course, YMCA - Village people Have fun!
Dude, that story is so cool. Every time I tried that with my students I noticed that was, for them, very counter intuitive, since the black notes are "the difficult ones" (thanks old teachers for tying all of us to C major as the "simplest scale"). Its super fun every time, though...a life hack for music.
You deserve more attention! Just for pointing out this two answers on "how to music" ! This is applicable to anything in life - and answer no.2 results in answer no.1 naturally. Go on and stay positive! Cheers
You video is such a big inspiration ! I have strived to be a good improviser but I never make it out of “fun”. It’s good reminder here light up my motivation.
I do the same thing with students but also have found that giving them a 5-6 note rhythmic lick pattern to use on any of the black keys is the magic ingredient in kick-starting improv, otherwise they just poke at notes randomly and it doesn't sound like much. We'll drum outa 5-6 beat "lick" pattern together on the top of the piano, sing it a few times while "drumming" it out, then they play that rhythmic motif on any black keys while I play a ||:Eb-Db-B-Db:|| chordal pattern. Then we'll tap out a different rhythmic pattern, always singing it also, then they use that for playing any black notes. After about 3 patterns we put them together and viola, they're improvising. There's more to it, but I've actually had long-time classically-trained pianists cry when they realize that after 15 minutes of this they can actually improvise.
I went from semi intermediate to playing funk groove #5 in d minor very simply THREE days ago.. I am almost to the solo section, and it is coming to me very easily. You have really helped me to understand the format of funk and open fifths. I know my chords and scales, and I understand the theory, but the technique and improve from scratch is just not there for me yet, as well as chord transitioning from scratch. I feel like i'm at a roadblock as far as my left hand and improvisation. I wish soo bad that I could sit down with you and play music. I guess UA-cam will have to do for now! Keep them coming! You are really working wonders for my piano playing! Thanks! Jamison (Jed) Bennett, 23 Tennessee
you sir have inspired me to get off my bed. and im rewatching this video a bunch. youre like if robin williams character from good will hunting were an awesme funk teacher. thank u sir.
This is pretty awesome stuff! I too would love to see a video on how you play the synth - your use of pitch bending, mod wheel, what you map the faders and knobs to (I picked up filter cutoff on R1, chorus on F3, delay/reverb on F4/F5, and... is F1 mapped to portamento time? that's quite creative!). I feel there are quite a few tutorials on how to play piano, EP or organ, but very few on how to properly play (as opposed to program) a synth. How does one learn to play them like that?
Could you perhaps go over some of the settings for a synthesizer like this? I have one and I've played on it, but the amount of different switches and buttons just leave me at a loss before I even start.
Very cool. Never thought of it but makes good sense. Maj. and min. pentatonic scales dominate western pop music which is very convenient since they’re only 5 out of 12 notes. However, this 5 note spectrum has its limits even in western music and you showed this by necessarily expanding beyond the black keys using semi-tone deviations by way of the pitch bend wheel. For beginners, this is an excellent starting point but more detailed instruction might expand your audience and give students some direction toward the exciting road ahead.
Can you repost your Eb groove file. It doesn't seem to be on your website any longer. Thanks...very helpful and Eb does offer that natural bluesu scale.
Hey man, I like your channel and its content! You have a gift and I am thankful you are sharing your knowledge to learners like myself who aspire to become artists! God bless my friend!
hi, absolutely love your style!!! i have a request, can you show us low level clavi-thusiasts how to play andy kim's (rock me gently) funky clavinet solo part ? i've been searching for a while on youtube and can't find anything except the original recording by andy kim. but no one has ventured into a tutorial on this piece of excellent funk
Awesome! Thanks so much! Any chance for a tutorial on minor pentatonic fingerings and patterns in all twelve keys? (I have no formal piano training and can only walk up and down in triplets or sixteenth notes in all twelve keys but that gets repetitive)
That's so funny.. I figured out the 'black key' trick on my own. I started off randomly hitting the black keys when I was like 7 and noticed that everything I played sounded 'Chinese' if that makes any sense. Then I noticed that almost anything you play on them sounds good together. That's interesting that it is actually a thing.
nice to see you back :) do you currently play in a band? do you play live? btw have anybody ever told you that you sound a bit like Timothy Leary? have a nice day :)
I can't see who liked my comment, if it was you Jonathan, if you would, please let me know.. It would be awesome and truly motivating to hear that it was from you!! I really hope you keep making videos! Keep them coming!
groovewindow thanks man! Dont mean to fanboy here, but it is pretty awesome to get a reply from the guy who's music is sitting on my roland! Thanks! Keep em comin! Love the d minor groove!
Good afternoon. Sorry for my English. But I wanted to thank your channel for the videos you provided, they helped me to get experience and practice. But you have one cover, you do not have a tutorial for it. Therefore, I have a request, I think, and other subscribers would really like the video tutorial. cover - Funk Rhodes Piano Groove: Tune 88. I really liked this composition and I would really like to master it. This composition is very fast and therefore it is impossible to keep track of all notes. If you can then please make a video (notes) for this song. Thank you. With respect, Roman
Hi Roman! You're English is perfectly good! Many people have asked for a tutorial (and sheets) for Tune 88. I'll add it to the list, and hopefully get to it fairly soon. I'm trying to be more regular and have a list of videos that are already in the works, but I should get to that one eventually. Thank you for your comment!
Thanks for the answer. I'm looking forward to these notes, I tried to record the part of the keys of this track, but I ran into the problem that I do not have a guitar and drums and I can not write them down. If you can then lay out a batch of drums and guitars (backing track without the keys). Nevertheless, I continue to learn funk for your videos. These videos help in learning. They bring a lot of benefit. Later, when you have time to make a video on Tune 88, I'll test my skill - as I've listened to the notes of the keys
Hey Jonathan, 2 things: 1) how important do you think is the ability to sight read well as a professional pianist/composer/performer? 2) great video and you are amazing in general
Hey Eli! (Thank you for your kind words!). Sight reading: It's a good skill to have. As to how important it is? It depends. I know several amazing musicians who don't read much at all. They have incredible ears and a great mental model for theory, and they get by fine in the styles they play (more contemporary styles) without needing to read. However, written music is the most efficient way for one musician to communicate to another what the intention is, so as you begin to play with more varied groups of people, being able to have this common language (written music) just makes the communication of ideas much faster. Of course, "sight reading" is another notch beyond "reading at all." I'd say that the further you progress the more important it will be to be a good reader -- at some level, it just becomes assumed that not only can you read, but you can (for the most part) play it fairly close on a first reading -- all depending... There are always going to be some super technical passages that even the best players have to woodshed a bit to get under their fingers. But all of this varies greatly depending on whether you're getting together with some buddies in your garage (probably doesn't matter at all) versus getting paid to fly out and perform in a show, where there will be one rehearsal prior to said show -- and you'll get the music at that rehearsal. Probably good to be a pretty hot reader for that gig!
groovewindow Thank you very much for the reply! Now that I look at it circumstantially it makes sense that the importance of sight reading really just depends on the specific scenario, meaning it's better to just be good at it in the first place. Sight reading is definitely my weakest point (although it is improving due to daily practice) regardless of a good understanding of music theory and improv/compositional skills. That is why I asked. Part of me wants to just tell myself that sight reading is not all that necessary but I know deep down I gotta keep getting better at it😁 and you just helped solidify that. Anyways thanks for the response and keep grooving! I look forward to more videos!!
one of the best methodes for improvising is to hear the groove ane sing or hum to it without any keyboard. The next step is to perform that on the keyboard (transcription) and to repeat often what sounds good. (ear and muscle memory) Playing in C maj primarely black keys is not really satisfying , in Es m it is an good advice. Take five is composed in Esm ? Why , the answer is easy ! :) you are not alone on stage ! :))
Plz plz plz can anyone tell me how to get such patch on a keyboard! I've tried a lot of patches on my yamaha MOXf8 and none of the patch was like this. Do we have to make some modulations on a pre existing patch?
It's a pure midi controller - and makes no sounds on its own, so you have to plug it into something else - either a computer, or if you have them - hardware synths with MIDI input work too. But it doesn't have any onboard sounds.
That freestyle improv was DOPE!
another trick is to improvise using the melody of a song. Most times, I have those notes i feel in my head but don't know how to access them. Lots of ideas can come out of these tricks
Great video! I'ts more or less how I was taught to start, for those who fancy giving it a go here are few varied Ebm / F#M songs to get you stared along with Jonathon's backing track:
Superstition - Stevie wonder
Virtual Insanity - Jamiroquai
Take 5 - Brubeck Quartet
Rock with you - Michael Jackson
Rude Boy - Rihanna
Clint Eastwood -Gorillaz
If I were a Boy - Beyonce
Sail - AWOLNATION
Last Friday Night - Katy Perry
Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns & Roses
Fuel - Metallica
and of course, YMCA - Village people
Have fun!
I'd like to add You Are In My System - The System
Thank you!
Dude, that story is so cool. Every time I tried that with my students I noticed that was, for them, very counter intuitive, since the black notes are "the difficult ones" (thanks old teachers for tying all of us to C major as the "simplest scale"). Its super fun every time, though...a life hack for music.
I am a guitar player and I just added this video to my guitar playlist so my kids can jam with me on our synthesizer using "the black keys". Thanks!
You deserve more attention! Just for pointing out this two answers on "how to music" ! This is applicable to anything in life - and answer no.2 results in answer no.1 naturally. Go on and stay positive! Cheers
Professor Funk... There's a song title begging to be realized!!!
You video is such a big inspiration ! I have strived to be a good improviser but I never make it out of “fun”. It’s good reminder here light up my motivation.
Professor Funk!! I love it! That needs to be an album title man!
I've been following you for years and still play your funk groove in F....well some of it. Great stuff.
Yay you’re back 😊😱
Glad you're back! Also love the new video intro, edition style and the content, obviously!
Wow, great synth work. Loved how you kept changing the envelope to get different takes on the same sound. Unbelievable rhythm and groove!!
What an impeccable video. Your style, charisma, and sincerity are truly unmatched.
I do something similar over Db but you have to add in F and C with that - but the Eb improv is terrific.
A nice funky little groove. I will be jamming on this one.
I REALLY LOVE YOUR VIDEOS ! PEOPLE WHO DON'T LOVE GREAT RHYTHM ARE BROKEN ! YOUR RHYTHM IS SPECTACULAR !
Awesome video, glad to see you posting again! I'm off to play something in E-flat ...
Deine Hände sind Gold wert
I do the same thing with students but also have found that giving them a 5-6 note rhythmic lick pattern to use on any of the black keys is the magic ingredient in kick-starting improv, otherwise they just poke at notes randomly and it doesn't sound like much. We'll drum outa 5-6 beat "lick" pattern together on the top of the piano, sing it a few times while "drumming" it out, then they play that rhythmic motif on any black keys while I play a ||:Eb-Db-B-Db:|| chordal pattern. Then we'll tap out a different rhythmic pattern, always singing it also, then they use that for playing any black notes. After about 3 patterns we put them together and viola, they're improvising. There's more to it, but I've actually had long-time classically-trained pianists cry when they realize that after 15 minutes of this they can actually improvise.
Great suggestion!! I love this!
Came for the tutorials but stayed for the fun :) it's like watching an awesome show in netflix hahah professor Funk :))
I went from semi intermediate to playing funk groove #5 in d minor very simply THREE days ago.. I am almost to the solo section, and it is coming to me very easily. You have really helped me to understand the format of funk and open fifths. I know my chords and scales, and I understand the theory, but the technique and improve from scratch is just not there for me yet, as well as chord transitioning from scratch. I feel like i'm at a roadblock as far as my left hand and improvisation. I wish soo bad that I could sit down with you and play music. I guess UA-cam will have to do for now! Keep them coming! You are really working wonders for my piano playing! Thanks!
Jamison (Jed) Bennett, 23
Tennessee
professor funk absolutely murdered me
Soloing over the song "Sunny" with the first chord as Eb Minor works well too.
Thanks for the video, Jonathan - and the amazing playing!
Oh Yesssss!! You're back IN - thank you for sharing your awesome skills, passion and love for music!
DUDE! KILLING IT!! How about a video on how you're using the pitch bend wheel? Thank you so much! :-)
Hell of a player!!
You are the best! Glad to see you back!
Great video Jonathon. Professor Funk - what a dude !.
I really enjoyed also this one, thanks a lot.
you sir have inspired me to get off my bed. and im rewatching this video a bunch.
youre like if robin williams character from good will hunting were an awesme funk teacher.
thank u sir.
This is pretty awesome stuff!
I too would love to see a video on how you play the synth - your use of pitch bending, mod wheel, what you map the faders and knobs to (I picked up filter cutoff on R1, chorus on F3, delay/reverb on F4/F5, and... is F1 mapped to portamento time? that's quite creative!). I feel there are quite a few tutorials on how to play piano, EP or organ, but very few on how to properly play (as opposed to program) a synth. How does one learn to play them like that?
Wow! I never knew this trick! Thank you so much!!
OMG! So good to have you back!
Could you perhaps go over some of the settings for a synthesizer like this? I have one and I've played on it, but the amount of different switches and buttons just leave me at a loss before I even start.
I‘m so happy that you‘re back! Keep up the good work :)
Was going to hit the like button and then I realized I had already liked this video months or years ago!
i remember that stick to the black keys long back just to have fun............
YEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!!! WE WERE WAITING YOU
Love the sixtuplet feel , sounds really good!
Awesome!!! So glad that you're back!!!! :)
Your amazing! Thank you so much for all the free teaching
Ah, great video, like the format. Good to see you back.
Great video and happy you are back! Your instructional videos are excellent and thoughtfully explained! Thanks!!
Very cool. Never thought of it but makes good sense. Maj. and min. pentatonic scales dominate western pop music which is very convenient since they’re only 5 out of 12 notes. However, this 5 note spectrum has its limits even in western music and you showed this by necessarily expanding beyond the black keys using semi-tone deviations by way of the pitch bend wheel. For beginners, this is an excellent starting point but more detailed instruction might expand your audience and give students some direction toward the exciting road ahead.
Can you repost your Eb groove file. It doesn't seem to be on your website any longer. Thanks...very helpful and Eb does offer that natural bluesu scale.
Love your videos!!!
Hey man, I like your channel and its content! You have a gift and I am thankful you are sharing your knowledge to learners like myself who aspire to become artists! God bless my friend!
Hey, I went over to your website.. Nice work! Nice playing! Thank you!
Maestro! Awesome video!!
This is so good thanks 👍
hi, absolutely love your style!!! i have a request, can you show us low level clavi-thusiasts how to play andy kim's (rock me gently) funky clavinet solo part ? i've been searching for a while on youtube and can't find anything except the original recording by andy kim. but no one has ventured into a tutorial on this piece of excellent funk
PROFESSOR FUNK! Genius!
Awesome! Thanks so much! Any chance for a tutorial on minor pentatonic fingerings and patterns in all twelve keys? (I have no formal piano training and can only walk up and down in triplets or sixteenth notes in all twelve keys but that gets repetitive)
thank yooouuuuuu!! Really enjoyed watching this. Subbed and liked! You really helped me out. Much love from germany
Reapareceu! Seu trabalho é excelente, parabéns!
That's so funny.. I figured out the 'black key' trick on my own. I started off randomly hitting the black keys when I was like 7 and noticed that everything I played sounded 'Chinese' if that makes any sense. Then I noticed that almost anything you play on them sounds good together. That's interesting that it is actually a thing.
Jonathon, this is literally! Reminded me of my band director who said if you have fun, it will come together! #AureliaHartenberger
Love ya brotha
MARAVILLOSO
Hey excellent stuff, really good. Would you mind sending the dots for the groove you played on piano
Thanks Iain, London UK
That is a auesome lesson
Love your music!
Yes! I love the black keys trick! Play around Ebm7 Ab7 :) You can throw in some Cbmaj7 Db for a more pop/fusion/epic interlude!
Completely! Great suggestion -
Finally! Loved this video!
Thank you Instructor Jonathan Wilson
HE'S BACK!
Great stuff! It would be good to have right hand transcription also!)
nice to see you back :) do you currently play in a band? do you play live? btw have anybody ever told you that you sound a bit like Timothy Leary? have a nice day :)
Yes I friggy fruggy love your music!!
Love that your uncle is professor funk. Destiny
Is there any where i can find the left hand groove
I can't see who liked my comment, if it was you Jonathan, if you would, please let me know.. It would be awesome and truly motivating to hear that it was from you!! I really hope you keep making videos! Keep them coming!
Jamison Bennett Yep... me here :) Happy that the music is helping you out. Keep at it!
groovewindow thanks man! Dont mean to fanboy here, but it is pretty awesome to get a reply from the guy who's music is sitting on my roland! Thanks! Keep em comin! Love the d minor groove!
Any ETA on the tutorial for funk groove in F? My fingers are itching ;)
Yeap great tip, works all the time
No single dislike!! sos un genio
This opens up a whole new world........
Good afternoon. Sorry for my English. But I wanted to thank your channel for the videos you provided, they helped me to get experience and practice. But you have one cover, you do not have a tutorial for it. Therefore, I have a request, I think, and other subscribers would really like the video tutorial. cover - Funk Rhodes Piano Groove: Tune 88. I really liked this composition and I would really like to master it. This composition is very fast and therefore it is impossible to keep track of all notes. If you can then please make a video (notes) for this song. Thank you. With respect, Roman
Hi Roman! You're English is perfectly good! Many people have asked for a tutorial (and sheets) for Tune 88. I'll add it to the list, and hopefully get to it fairly soon. I'm trying to be more regular and have a list of videos that are already in the works, but I should get to that one eventually. Thank you for your comment!
Thanks for the answer. I'm looking forward to these notes, I tried to record the part of the keys of this track, but I ran into the problem that I do not have a guitar and drums and I can not write them down. If you can then lay out a batch of drums and guitars (backing track without the keys). Nevertheless, I continue to learn funk for your videos. These videos help in learning. They bring a lot of benefit. Later, when you have time to make a video on Tune 88, I'll test my skill - as I've listened to the notes of the keys
Hey Jonathan, 2 things: 1) how important do you think is the ability to sight read well as a professional pianist/composer/performer? 2) great video and you are amazing in general
Hey Eli! (Thank you for your kind words!). Sight reading: It's a good skill to have. As to how important it is? It depends. I know several amazing musicians who don't read much at all. They have incredible ears and a great mental model for theory, and they get by fine in the styles they play (more contemporary styles) without needing to read. However, written music is the most efficient way for one musician to communicate to another what the intention is, so as you begin to play with more varied groups of people, being able to have this common language (written music) just makes the communication of ideas much faster. Of course, "sight reading" is another notch beyond "reading at all." I'd say that the further you progress the more important it will be to be a good reader -- at some level, it just becomes assumed that not only can you read, but you can (for the most part) play it fairly close on a first reading -- all depending... There are always going to be some super technical passages that even the best players have to woodshed a bit to get under their fingers. But all of this varies greatly depending on whether you're getting together with some buddies in your garage (probably doesn't matter at all) versus getting paid to fly out and perform in a show, where there will be one rehearsal prior to said show -- and you'll get the music at that rehearsal. Probably good to be a pretty hot reader for that gig!
groovewindow Thank you very much for the reply! Now that I look at it circumstantially it makes sense that the importance of sight reading really just depends on the specific scenario, meaning it's better to just be good at it in the first place. Sight reading is definitely my weakest point (although it is improving due to daily practice) regardless of a good understanding of music theory and improv/compositional skills. That is why I asked. Part of me wants to just tell myself that sight reading is not all that necessary but I know deep down I gotta keep getting better at it😁 and you just helped solidify that. Anyways thanks for the response and keep grooving! I look forward to more videos!!
641 views = 124 likes 0 dislikes thank you for the content !!
Have fun.
Where can i find the Tutorial from the first song ? :D
one of the best methodes for improvising is to hear the groove ane sing or hum to it without any keyboard. The next step is to perform that on the keyboard (transcription) and to repeat often what sounds good. (ear and muscle memory) Playing in C maj primarely black keys is not really satisfying , in Es m it is an good advice. Take five is composed in Esm ? Why , the answer is easy ! :) you are not alone on stage ! :))
Nice
3:04 this groove sounds so simple yet absolutely amazing!!!
Best content!
Yessss ! So cool !!
Pianists hate him because of this One Simple Trick.
Plz plz plz can anyone tell me how to get such patch on a keyboard! I've tried a lot of patches on my yamaha MOXf8 and none of the patch was like this.
Do we have to make some modulations on a pre existing patch?
I've been using a corgi Kronos and it's got loads of brilliant funk sounds. easy to find. And you can use the internal wah effects.
brilliant, and I've noticed that you can do this to Superstition by Stevie wonder! have a go it's fun! oops just noticed below comments doh!
Can the Akai MPK49 be plugged into an amp or is it just for computer work?
It's a pure midi controller - and makes no sounds on its own, so you have to plug it into something else - either a computer, or if you have them - hardware synths with MIDI input work too. But it doesn't have any onboard sounds.
This does work......for all you out there that might doubt.
Cool stuff - I'll use that on my own student (poor thing!). :-P
Greaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! :D Suscribed inmediatly!
Badass
Killer!
hell yeh legend
Improv time, lets get it
shoutout to prof funk ✌🏻
Monster